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THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL® EXTENDS INTO FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA

Published: 03/07/2019

Fairfax County, VA – March 7, 2019 – Springtime visitors to the National Capital Region have a multitude of options for celebrating the beautiful blooms and blossoms of the season this year. In addition to the famed, cherry-tree-lined Tidal Basin of Washington, DC, nearby Fairfax County is home to numerous beautiful gardens and cherry trees. The destination will also host several official events and exhibits celebrating Japanese culture and heritage during the 2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival®, taking place March 20 – April 14. Peak bloom dates are expected April 3 – 6, 2019. For up-to-date information, visit http://www.fxva.com/cherryblossom.

Key Fairfax County events and exhibits for this year’s Festival include:

March 20 to April 14 - Fairfax County’s Festival Central at the Fairfax County Visitor Center

The official Fairfax County Visitor Center in Tysons Corner Center (on 2nd level outside Nordstrom) is "Festival Central" in Fairfax County. The public is invited to stop in for free souvenirs, Festival schedules and the latest information on activities throughout the region. On March 30, the Center will host its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival® Day with a special event from 1pm – 3pm with craft demonstrations, free gifts, and more! (http://www.fxva.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-center; 703-752-9500)

April 6 – Ikebana Floral Design Workshop at Green Spring Gardens

Ikebana is a Japanese art of flower arrangement. Learn about its rich symbolism and the fundamentals of the art at this special workshop. Take home your own arrangement! The adult program (for ages 16+) will take place from 10 – 11:30am. Program fee is $39, plus a $25 supply fee. Registration code: 3FB.0BF3 (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring; 703-642-5173)

Kids can try their hand at creating a Japanese-style floral design influenced by the flowering cherry trees. Instructor Elizabeth Berry will introduce kids to this Asian artform and help them create a small arrangement of their own to bring home. The kids program (for ages 9 – 12) takes place from 1 – 2pm. Program fee is $15, plus a $15 supply fee. Registration code: E7B.F075 (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring; 703-642-5173)

April 6 – Cherry STEM Day at the Lab at Children’s Science Center Lab

Explore flower pigmentation with experiments that involve press/rubbing flower petals into a coffee filter, demonstrating the different pigmentation patterns for different flower petals. Come see for yourself how other flowers’ patterns differ from Cherry Blossom petals. The Lab is open from 10am – 6pm. Admission is $13/person. Lab located inside Fair Oaks Mall. (https://childsci.org/; 703-648-3130)

April 7 – Art Blooms at Mosaic District

Spring has sprung at Mosaic District! Stop by Strawberry Park from 11am – 5pm for Art Bloom, where we celebrate the Cherry Blossom season with interactive art installations, live music, a beer garden, and a handmade and vintage gift fair with Urban Market. Free to attend, additional items available for purchase. (https://mosaicdistrict.com; 703-992-7832)

Enjoy art work inspired by the spring blooms in all of the Workhouse galleries, grab a specialty cocktail at the themed bar, and admire the property’s own cherry trees during the Second Saturday Art Walk. The Workhouse will feature extended hours for the Art Walk (6-9pm), though the building and history museum open at 12pm. Admission is always free. (http://www.workhousearts.org/; 703-584-2900)

Take a spring trek on Frying Pan Farm Park’s nature trail to experience the changes of the season. Visit special stations throughout the trail to build a fairy house, keep a tally of all the birds seen at the park, search for critters, and enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House. Stop by the Indoor Arena first for a map and instructions. Admission is free. (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park; 703-437-9101)

April 14 – Tour of the Bonsai Pavilion and Bonsai Care Demonstrations at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ new Bonsai Pavilion and learn about this ancient and fascinating art from members of the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society. This special event will occur from 10am – 2pm. Garden admission is $6. (https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens; 703-255-3631)

In addition to these cultural events and activities, visitors can plan self-guided tours of the region’s most splendid gardens, including these not-to-miss sites (check with the individual gardens for hours of operation):

River Farm, a historic 25-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River that was once part of George Washington’s original five farms and is now the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.

Green Spring Gardens, an outdoor classroom, national historic site, and museum featuring a wooded stream, a valley with ponds, a native plant garden, over 20 thematic demonstration gardens, and a greenhouse filled with tropical plants.

For more details on National Cherry Blossom Festival® signature events, peak bloom dates, special deals and offers from the hospitality community, and even more, visit http://www.fxva.com/cherryblossom.

Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com) is the official tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia. Charged with destination marketing and tourism promotion, it is directed by many of the County's top tourism and hospitality leaders. Be sure to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/visitfairfaxva), Twitter (@VisitFairfax), and Instagram (@VisitFairfax) for all Fairfax County events and activities this Spring! Hashtag: #FXVA

The National Cherry Blossom Festival® is the nation's greatest springtime celebration. The 2019 Festival, March 20 - April 14, includes nearly four spectacular weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information, or check out Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and Instagram (@CherryBlossFest).